SXSW Review: Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas Strike a Chord in John Carney's Power Ballad

The film explores the cost of stardom, ownership, and identity within the music industry.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:30pm

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Power Ballad, directed by John Carney, follows two Americans in Ireland: Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime rocker living a 'dream deferred' who connects and jams with boy-band refugee Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas) after Rick's wedding band plays a private gig. The film explores the cost of stardom, ownership, and identity within the music industry as Rick's original song is adapted by Danny into a massive hit without Rick's acknowledgment.

Why it matters

The film provides a poignant reminder that raw talent and hard work can connect on an individual level, even if the artist never becomes a well-managed global star. It explores themes relevant to the music industry, such as the pressures of building a brand, the impact of social media, and the challenges faced by artists trying to maintain their creative integrity.

The details

In the film, Rick is a man navigating the responsibilities of fatherhood while still pursuing his musical passion on the side. Danny, a former boy band member, is struggling with the transition to solo stardom and the pressure to deliver a hit. When Danny adapts Rick's original song 'How to Write a Song (Without You)' into a massive hit, Rick is left feeling resentful and powerless, as he has no legal recourse to claim ownership of the track.

  • Power Ballad premiered at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.
  • The film is set to open in theaters on June 5.

The players

John Carney

The co-writer and director of Power Ballad, known for his work in the music-focused film genre.

Paul Rudd

The actor who portrays Rick, a past-his-prime rocker, in the film.

Nick Jonas

The actor who portrays Danny Wilson, a boy-band refugee, in the film.

Marcella Plunkett

An actress who plays the role of Rachel, Rick's local love interest, in the film.

Jack Reynor

The actor who portrays Mac, Danny's manager, in the film.

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What’s next

Power Ballad is set to open in theaters on June 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The film explores the complexities of the music industry, highlighting the challenges artists face in maintaining their creative integrity and the impact of corporate branding on the artistic process. It serves as a poignant reminder that true connection can be found in the raw talent and hard work of individual artists, even if they never achieve global stardom.